The announcement that Chris Rock had come up with the idea for the next installment of the SAW franchise was quite a blindside, and not only did he craft the story and sign on to executive produce the film, word is that he's starring in it as well. With SAW II, III, and IV director Darren Lynn Bousman back at the helm, the project (which is simply being referred to as SAW IX for now) has begun filming in Toronto… and with the start of production comes a casting rumor.
Fans lurking around the set have been told that Samuel L. Jackson is in the cast of the new SAW. Our friends over at Bloody-Disgusting said they had heard the same thing from their sources over the past week, and have since updated their article on the rumor to say they have confirmed Jackson's involvement. So while this hasn't been officially announced, it's looking like Jackson will be in this movie.
Details on Rock's story are being kept under wraps, but we do know that JIGSAW writers Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg were the ones who fleshed idea out into a screenplay. Lionsgate chairman Joe Drake said Rock had a
fantastic vision that reimagines and spins off the world of the notorious Jigsaw Killer … This upcoming film will still be as mind bending and intense as all the previous SAW films. Chris conceived this idea and it will be completely reverential to the legacy of the material while reinvigorating the brand with his wit, creative vision and passion for this classic horror franchise."
Mark Burg and Oren Koules are producing "SAW IX", with Daniel Heffner, James Wan, and Leigh Whannell executive producing alongside Rock.
Jackson has already had a busy 2019, appearing on the big screen in GLASS, CAPTAIN MARVEL, AVENGERS: ENDGAME, SHAFT, and SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME.
The new SAW is set to reach theatres on October 23, 2020.